The first phase of #ReadingMuriel2018 is over – all bar the shouting – and what has been heartening for me is just how many people have joined in and showed their enthusiasm. Before January I had only read three Muriel Spark novels – so I am enjoying learning more about Muriel Spark and her work as I go along. This post is really just to try and draw everyone together – give a brief snapshot of some thoughts and reactions – and links to other reviews. Of course, many people are reading Muriel Spark at the moment in celebration of her centenary – so it is a little difficult for me sometimes to know who exactly has joined in my little read-a-long – and who are just reading a Muriel Spark novel.
Apologies to anyone who I don’t acknowledge, I am trying my best not to miss anyone out – please nudge me if I have. Use of the hashtag on Twitter does help me find you.
Anyway Phase 1 was all about Muriel Spark’s 1950s novels; The Comforters, Robinson and Memento Mori. I hadn’t originally planned to read all three, but I did, and thoroughly enjoyed them all. However, I have already posted my reviews of them, so I’m handing over to the rest of you.
Grant shared his review of The Comforters from 2010, which he called “a delicately-iced, bite-sized, bitter-sweet tart.” Vikki said: “I love how Sparkian devices/themes are set out from the off, like her famous flash forwards.” Jennifer said:”she wrote about everyday things that fascinated her but from such a unique angle its as if she’s revealing something new to us each time we enter Spark World.” Yvonne also read The Comforters, finding it superb and it was a re-read for Gill who called it “an extraordinary debut.” Lisa from Bluestalking Journal reviewed The Comforters her review highlighting the eccentric nature of the characters. Chrystyna was able to find a copy of The Comforters in her local library. Mike from the Librarything Virago group – is on a Spark reading marathon, and said of The Comforters that “this greater complexity is a bit of a weakness, but nevertheless and especially for a first novel The Comforters is a definite 4****.” Christine from the BookTrunk and says that “Spark’s witty, elegant prose is second to none.” Karen from Bookertalk had less success with The Comforters, although she enjoyed the light comedy of the opening, and is hoping to do better with one of her later works. Monica has been reading all three of Spark’s early novels, and found The Comforters might be deserving of a re-read. Christine of Bride of the book god, has also read all three novels, and her post brings together her thoughts on all three novels by one of her favourite writers.
Robinson, Muriel Spark’s second novel also proved a hit with those who read it. I was enthralled by it, as was Chrystyna who was able to see patterns between it and The Comforters. Karen at Kaggsy’s Bookish Ramblings reviewed Robinson calling it “a work that really is immensely readable and yet very thought-provoking as well.” Jennifer said she loved January for throwing that bowl of soup over Tom – I can’t help but agree. Like many of us Yvonne also moved from reading The Comforters to Robinson. Leaves and Pages reviewed Robinson too calling it clever and strangely engaging. Vikki called Robinson an intriguing novel saying: “The air of mystery surrounding Robinson is so deftly done.” Mike, however called Robinson not that great a novel but worth reading.Lizzy of Lizzy’s Literary Life reviewed Robinson saying “Spark’s Robinson isn’t good, it is excellent. Although not perfect. There are too many conflicts regarding Catholic doctrine for me.” Mary called Robinson “quirky, sharp, clever writing.” This was Monica’s favourite of the three early novels.
Memento Mori is a Spark novel that many people consider to be among her best. Lady Fanciful reviewed Memento Mori calling it “a blackly comedic, sometimes savage, sometimes tender journey towards death, following a group of aged upper middle class intellectuals, their servants and companions, towards their final breaths.” I know Cathy from WhatCathyReadNext blog was planning on reading Memento Mori – I’ll edit in a review when I see it pop up. Caroline from book word reviewed Memento Mori calling it “short, bizarre, almost macabre,” going on to say that: “Every character is at the mercy of the physical manifestations of ageing.” For Mike Memento Mori was a definite 5 star read, which he says he loves even more every time he reads it. Annabel reviewed Memento Mori remarking that “Spark’s style which even in her earlier work takes no prisoners and wastes few words – requiring a little concentration to keep up with her!” When Yvonne began reading Memento Mori she was taken aback by the irony,and hindsight. Monica found the ending of this novel a bit of a let down but loved the characters.
Wow, well I hadn’t realised just how many people were joining in until I started looking through all the #ReadingMuriel2018 traffic. It’s been fabulous seeing so much enthusiasm for the project.
March/April is all about the 1960s novels. You can find the full schedule on my #ReadingMuriel2018 page. I have manged to get three novels for the next phase – whether I find time to read that many again remains to be seen. There is a much longer list to choose from for Phase 2 and no one is expected to read them all – although if you are undertaking a marathon reading of Spark well done, and good luck. I think three in two months will be the most I can manage, though one book every two months is plenty too. No obligation to join in again though if you are planning on joining me, let me know what you’re hoping to read.
Incidentally did anyone watch the Muriel Spark documentary currently on BBC I-player? – I think it must be finishing any day now – so if you haven’t seen it, and if it is still available – I highly recommend it.
Thank you to everyone who have helped to make this first phase such a success. Here’s to the next phase.
Well done everyone, and a great post pulling everything together – I know how hard this is from my Iris Murdoch readalong! Enjoy the 1960s …
Thank you, it takes a while to pull everything together but is nice to Collate thoughts.
Well, I’m playing catch up because I’m only just about to start Memento Mori.
Don’t worry about that, Memento Mori is such an interesting novel, really hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for posting the links to the other reviews. I have The Bachelors and The Ballad of Peckham Rye TBR for March and April and I hope to re-read The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. I’ve read The Girls of Slender Means and The Public Image and am looking forward to reading reviews of all of the books.
I have The Bachelors The Ballad of Peckham Rye and The Girls of Slender Means which I persuaded my book group to pick for this month.
Thanks for hosting this Ali – I’ve only read one so far but loved it and I’m looking forward to joining in as the months go on. There are a couple I definitely want to read…. (not telling which ones!)
Hee hee, looking forward to seeing what that is. The list of Spark books I want to read keeps getting longer. I won’t manage them all this year though.
I read Memento Mori and loved it. I’m ready to start Jean Brodie. Long overdue. Thanks for this.
So glad to hear you loved Memento Mori. Hope you enjoy your reading of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Thanks for the very helpful round up Ali. I’m really enjoying all the Muriel love this year! I agree the BBC documentary was excellent – I’ve managed to get 2 colleagues to watch it so far, it’s certainly made office conversations more interesting than usual 😉
The documentary was excellent, so glad you enjoyed it too.
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